Kids Say The Darndest Things

View This Video Before responding To This Article

When it comes to the topic of raising children things can get as touchy a the topic of religion or politics. People have different beliefs and methods that they will defend with all their might.  Generally speaking there isn't one perfect method of child rearing and we all fall short of perfection and make our share of mistakes.  After all it is different strokes for different folks and children come with there own set of personality traits as well.

If you have watched the video above you have witnessed with your own eyes the magnitude of independent will and rationalization that can come from a little three year old. The reactions to this video have ranged from 'oh how very adorable' to 'that kid hasn't been spanked enough'. I also couldn't help but notice how angry people have gotten (me included) over opposing views. Like I said this is a very touchy subject, but still well worth examining.

When first viewing this video, I admit I was amongst the �oh how adorable�  crowd.
I Still am!
 However the reasoning behind the reaction would have to come into play for better understanding why.

The first thing to focus on is what he is saying. The next thing is who is he talking to. Then there is why is he talking  that way.  The concluding point after examining the three is how to handle his behavior. My brief take on this is as follows:

What: He is saying he felt he had a right to touch what ever he wanted because that is how it has always been at Grandmas house, and he was frustrated because Linda wasn�t fully addressing this, she was just sticking to her guns about punishment.

Who: Calling mom by the first name is an indication that she is his step mom. Most children call their parents dating partners by the first mane and after marriage they continue to do so, at least for a while. This also leads to why he might have felt so strongly that �Linda Honey� was not getting how things are done. She was still learning her way around from his point of view. Plus she or someone was taping and if he was aware of that,  it most likely would have exhilarated his performance reaction.

Why: Children this young are sponges. They copy everything. He can�t help that It is natural and this is what I feel makes him so adorable. He is the epitome of spongey reflecting in pint size expressiveness. J

How To Handle It:  Explain to the child� (explaining is important because the child is exhibiting articulating ability. Honor his intellect) so yes explain to the child what is and is not acceptable. The child�s reaction to the explanation will determine the next move.  I would not spank a child for simply expressing themselves unless they refused to stop crossing my boundaries. I believe abused children often come from the point of not feeling they have a voice. Children that are raised to be seen but not heard are subject to too much danger in today�s world.  So I support the out spoken child who  can respect the limitations, but by no means is to be stifled.

Because this is such a hot topic, I encourage you to share your �what� �Who� �why� and �How To Handle�  responses. Not just to voice your opinion, but to help people who may need to consider alternative ways to handle children.